'Tibs the Great is No More'

Cats were first officially appointed by the Post Office to catch rodents in September 1868. Three cats were appointed to work at the Money Order Office in London, with an allowance of one shilling a week. The cats were given six months by the Secretary of the Post Office to reduce the mouse problem or they would be cut.

Probably the most famous feline is Tibs who lived in the Royal Mail Headquarters refreshment club in the basement of the building. Born in November 1950, Tibs, who eventually weighed in at 23lbs, kept the Headquarters completely mouse-free during his 14 years' service,. He did find time though to appear at a 'cats and film stars' party and have his portrait included in a 1953 book Cockney Cats. After Tibs died on 23 November 1964, his obituary in the January 1965 Post Office Magazine was headed "Tibs the Great is No More".

The last resident cat to Post Office Headquarters cat was Blackie, who died in 1984.